WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to send federal law enforcement to cities like Chicago and Baltimore, despite resistance from their local leaders.

During a discussion with journalists in the Oval Office, when asked about deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, Trump confirmed, “We’re going in,” but did not specify a timeline.

Trump has already deployed National Guard troops to Washington D.C. and taken control over the capital city’s police force. He has expressed the desire to replicate these actions in other cities, especially those governed by Democrats.

Trump said he’d like Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to call him and say “send in the troops.” Pritzker has opposed the move.

“If the governor of Illinois would reach out, I would welcome the conversation,” Trump stated. “Regardless, we will proceed as we have the authority to do so.”

He added that he has an “obligation to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore.”